Producer and director David S. Zucker has partnered with BOLEX Studios to launch a new reality television series titled 'DRINK,' which takes place at a unique New York City venue located at 154 East 33rd Street. The series captures the energy, creativity, and behind-the-scenes moments of running two very different but complementary businesses under one roof, where a high-end cocktail bar operates below a tattoo studio on the second floor. From expertly crafted cocktails at the bar to custom tattoo artistry upstairs, the show explores the personalities, stories, and occasional drama that unfold between staff, artists, and guests.
According to Zucker, the concept brings together nightlife culture and tattoo artistry in a way audiences rarely see. 'This is a fun reality show with real personalities, real stories, and a lot of unexpected moments,' said David S. Zucker. 'Between the bar scene and the tattoo shop upstairs, there's always something happening — laughter, drama, and incredible stories behind every tattoo.' The series features Chris Torres, a world-famous tattoo artist and the owner and head of tattoo operations at DRINK. Torres and his team of artists will work with clients from all walks of life, each bringing personal stories and inspiration for their tattoos.
Filming for the pilot episode is scheduled to begin March 11 in New York City and will feature a variety of colorful personalities, nightlife regulars, and tattoo clients, offering viewers an inside look at the unique environment created when high-end mixology and body art meet. The partnership between Zucker and BOLEX Studios represents a significant development in reality programming, moving beyond traditional formats to explore niche cultural intersections. The series' importance lies in its authentic portrayal of two creative industries that have grown increasingly mainstream, providing insight into the personal narratives and professional dynamics that drive contemporary urban culture.
This exploration matters because it reflects broader societal trends where once-marginalized art forms like tattooing have become integral parts of mainstream culture, while craft cocktail culture represents the evolution of urban nightlife beyond traditional bar scenes. The show's focus on the intersection of these industries highlights how creative businesses in New York City often thrive through unexpected combinations and collaborations, serving as microcosms of the city's diverse cultural landscape. By documenting the real stories behind both the cocktails and tattoos, the series provides viewers with a deeper understanding of how personal expression and professional craftsmanship intersect in modern urban environments, offering a window into the human connections that form around these creative pursuits.
The implications extend beyond entertainment, as the series demonstrates how reality programming can move beyond sensationalism to document authentic cultural phenomena. As both the tattoo industry and craft cocktail movement continue to grow in economic and cultural significance, 'DRINK' offers valuable insight into the entrepreneurial spirit driving New York City's creative economy. The show's setting at a single Manhattan location where these two worlds collide serves as a case study in how urban businesses adapt to changing cultural tastes while maintaining their artistic integrity, potentially influencing how other creative entrepreneurs approach business development in competitive urban markets.
